1992 BMW 540 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1992 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 64 kg more than 1992 BMW 540. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 540. (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
